CHAPTER 23 Neel
Neel
It’s been two crazy weeks filled with work and deal closings.
I think about Kavita every spare minute I have. But with the company event and the fashion show coming up, it might be a while before we go on another date.
Most nights, I’m exhausted when I get home. I often have dinner along with video calls with Kavita. I wish she were living with me so we didn’t have to make time to meet.
Thankfully, we’re able to catch up more often than not. She fills me in on her new clients and her work, showing me all her designs. I love her fun and unique ideas. I’m thrilled to hear her voice and see her sexy smile.
Tonight, I’m going to Mom’s house. But first, Elena and I need to go to Kavita’s boutique. We’re going to see her finished wedding dress. I park on the street and enter the brightly lit shop.
Kavita’s eyes sparkle when she sees me. “Hey, you! I’ve been missing you.”
She’s alone. I open my arms, and she walks into my hug, breathing into my chest.
“Oh!” she sighs. “I’m so glad to see you!”
“Missed you too.” I kiss her deeply, making up for lost time. I pull back and look into her eyes. “I’m so sorry, darling!”
“Well, you better be,” she smiles, and I pull her back into my arms.
I kiss along her jaw and neck as she leans back, letting my trail of kisses go down the front of her dress. Sighing, she raises her leg around my thigh, the slit in her dress revealing her long, sexy legs. She looks so beautiful tonight, I could devour her. And I am hungry.
Our kiss is fervent, frantic, and filled with longing.
It’s been two weeks since I’ve tasted her, and she looks wonderful tonight.
My hand slides deeper into her dress, skimming over her bare thigh.
Her eyes flutter with pleasure, and she lets out a deeper moan, sending a shiver of arousal through me.
She wraps her arms around my shoulders and tugs me closer.
Our hands are everywhere, hers in my hair and scorching my bare skin under my shirt. My tie is gone, and my shirt buttons are coming undone fast. Grunting, I squeeze her butt, and she squeals with delight. Then suddenly, she hisses and loosens from my grip, straightening her dress.
“Elena will be here any minute. We better not face her like this.” Her face twists, she chuckles, and before I know it, she’s laughing and patting down my hair so I look presentable.
We’re barely composed when a throat clears behind us. Kavita peeks over my shoulder, whispering, “Right on time!”
Speak of the devil!
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t realize what was going on,” Elena says as she walks in.
I finally turn to face my baby sister, half-minded about driving her out so I can kiss my girlfriend.
Girlfriend? We haven’t labeled our relationship, but I feel ready to head down that path if Kavita asks.
Kavita leaves my side to hug Elena. “Let me get your dress. It’s ready, but it’s still wrapped up. Give me two minutes.” Kavita heads to the back room to retrieve the dress.
“She’s pretty adorable, isn’t she?” Elena says.
“She is. And I feel overwhelmed.”
“Feelings for her?”
“She’s so different from Ramya. She feels right for me in a way I’ve never experienced before.”
Elena pats my arm. “You should tell her how you feel, Neel.”
I quickly shake my head. “What would I even tell her?”
“Mmm...you could try telling her how you really feel about her. Maybe you could tell her at your event. Mom would love to meet her, too.”
On one hand, I’d love for Kavita to meet my mother. On the other, I realize she’s still keeping me a secret from her parents. Would coming to the event and meeting my mother fit with her idea of taking things slow?
“Introducing her to Mom feels so ‘serious,’” I tell Elena.
“I thought you wanted ‘serious.’ You were just telling me how much you like her.”
“But I wouldn’t want to pressure her into something she’s not ready for.”
“Don’t pressure her, then. Just introduce her. Let her decide how she feels about that.”
“Well...” I hesitate, then realize it’s a valid suggestion. I’m overthinking and making this more complicated than it is. “Okay. That sounds fine.”
“Fine,” she grins just as Kavita reappears, holding the most gorgeous outfit I’ve ever seen. It’s a rich rose-colored lehenga and blouse with real pearls on it. And a lacy, sheer dupatta that’s stunning.
Elena falls in love with it instantly. “I wish I could move up my wedding,” she gasps. “It’s so beautiful!” Her eyes well with tears as she feels the fabric. “So, so beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Kavita’s breath catches as Elena hugs her, making her wobble. She’s still holding the dress to the side when Elena kisses her cheeks. “That’s the prettiest dress I’ve ever seen.”
Kavita beams. “Try it on?”
When Elena emerges from the dressing room, my jaw drops. The dress is indeed gorgeous, and as my sister twirls around in it, I’m filled with joy for her upcoming wedding.
Her wedding...
A voice in my head whispers: I want that too.
I can’t believe how much I’ve changed since meeting Kavita.
A swell of emotion tightens my chest as I watch Kavita walk toward me, her eyes shining. The worries and doubts I had after our last trip come swirling back, just like they do whenever I think about what’s next for Kavita and me.
I’ve already been through all of this, but she’s never been married. It’s probably too soon to assume she wants that kind of commitment with me.
“Let me change out of this,” Elena says, beaming. “I’ll be in the changing room if you need me.”
As soon as Elena is out of sight, I pull Kavita into my arms. I kiss her slowly this time, letting out a deep sigh as we part.
“What?” she asks, looking into my eyes.
“At the event next week, I’d like to...introduce you to my mother.”
Her eyes widen. “Are we progressing in our relationship?”
“I know you haven’t told your family, but we have your fashion show at the event. So this could be kind of official, too?”
“You’re looking for a reason to introduce me,” she says, her eyes twinkling.
I run my hand through my hair. “I’ve sort of told my mother about you. But I understand if you want a more formal reason for meeting her.”
“So, you’re not upset that I don’t want to share you with my parents yet? My parents will be at the event, too.”
I shake my head. “I’ll be ready whenever you’re ready.”
She rises on her toes and gives me a quick kiss before Elena returns from the changing room and hands the dress back to her for minor adjustments.
Elena grins as we get into the car. “Did I interrupt your little moment? Or did you have enough time to enjoy that kiss?”
“You miss nothing,” I say dryly.
“I can’t wait to tell Mom,” she teases.
“You won’t tell her anything,” I warn.
Elena laughs, settling into her seat. “Alright, alright. Your secret’s safe with me...for now.” She pauses, then adds more seriously, “But Neel, don’t wait too long. It’s obvious how happy Kavita makes you.”
As we drive off, Elena starts chatting about her wedding plans, but my mind drifts back to Kavita and our relationship.
I don’t know if everything is moving too soon for us.